Prior to any meaningful work we perform for our clients, we start with what we call a “Reputation S.W.OT.” That is, any great forward-thinking strategy begins with understanding the past and status quo. Our team of experts thoroughly investigates your current online and offline presence, including how the public views your business or personal brand. RepUs also captures and analyzes staff perceptions of the company, as well as the competition.. This allows us to see what works and what does not and identify where to start.
If you’re wondering whether your company needs a Reputation SWOT, here are some key signs and red flags that often indicate it’s time to take a closer look:
1. Negative Reviews or Media Coverage
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A surge in negative online reviews (Google, Yelp, Glassdoor, Trustpilot).
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Recent or recurring bad press, social media backlash, or negative mentions in forums or news.
2. Declining Customer Trust or Sales
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Decreasing customer retention or satisfaction.
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Falling sales numbers without a clear operational cause.
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Customers expressing concern about company values, practices, or leadership.
3. High Employee Turnover or Low Morale
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Poor reviews on employer rating sites like Glassdoor or Indeed.
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Internal surveys show low morale or distrust in leadership.
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High turnover, especially among mid-level managers or top performers.
4. Sudden Stakeholder Concerns
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Investors, partners, or board members raising questions about the company’s public image.
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Trouble attracting or keeping key business partnerships.
5. PR and Crisis Management Overload
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Your PR or customer service team is spending too much time responding to crises or clarifying misunderstandings.
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No clear reputation management strategy or consistent messaging.
6. Search Engine Results Are Unfavorable
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When searching your company name, the top results include lawsuits, scandals, or complaints.
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No positive content or brand-controlled information shows up on page one.
7. Lagging Behind Competitors
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Competitors are perceived as more trustworthy or innovative.
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You’re not part of key industry conversations or being left out of “best of” lists.
